Mission Statement
The mission of Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics (LWRG), is to provide the highest quality gymnastic training to all ages and levels of athletes in a safe, positive and stimulating environment, while developing strong, happy young people of good character and good sportsmanship.
Philosophy
While challenging each athlete to progress to his or her individual ability and commitment level, we will strive to help each child grow, not only in his/her physical abilities, but also as people of character, integrity, and sportsmanship, and to become contributing members of society. We will assist our parents in teaching their children to take responsibility for their actions, to think for themselves, to encourage them to act respectfully to their peers and coaches, and to instill a sense of pride in their athletic abilities and accomplishments. It is our goal to provide a program that the whole family can enjoy and spend quality time together in a wholesome environment. We hope to achieve all of this in a way which works in a cohesive manner for everyone involved – the athlete, the parents, and the staff of LWRG.
WHO WE ARE
Laura & David Parraga
Owners and Coaches
Owners David and Laura Parraga both have an extensive background in the gymnastics arena. David is a former Venezuelan National Team member and international caliber-athlete, while Laura is a former competitive gymnast, judge, and professional cheerleader. Up until May of 2012 Laura and David were the optional head coaches at LaFleur’s Gymnastics in Largo for 9 years while living in Manatee County.
During this time they had many teams win numerous state titles as well as coaching individuals to state, regional, and national championship titles. David and Laura currently have several athletes competing in NCAA gymnastics programs, many attaining full athletic scholarships. They are among select coaches in the area/state that have participated in the elite gymnastics arena and have attended camps and activities at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center. Both David and Laura are in good standing with USAG and are safety certified, have completed NCSI background checks and are Adult and Pediatric CPR Certified. They are also both certified in Safe Sport conduct for athletes. They are excited to provide their expertise to area gymnasts, while now being so close to home.
David Parraga, who was born and raised in Venezeula, started his career in gymnastics at the age of 6 when he was spotted by a gymnastics coach flipping around on the beach. After training for many years, David became a member of the Venezuelan National Gymnastics Team, which he was on for 6 consecutive years and was the Venezuelan athlete of the year. He was also a Medalist in the 1987 Pan American Junior Games, and had many assignments to compete in International Competitions all over the world. During his time of travel he soon came to realize he wanted to live in the United States. So, in 1999 he moved to Miami. Since then David has worked at several well known gymnastics camp; such as Woodward, the University of Georgia, and Penn State University, as well as in private clubs. In David’s spare time he loves fishing, golfing, playing polo and watching baseball.
Laura Parraga, who started gymnastics at the age of three, was born and raised in South Carolina. After gymnastics, Laura spent many of her years as a cheerleader and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to cheer in SuperBowl XXXIII in Miami, when the Atlanta Falcons were playing in it. During her early cheerleading days, Laura began coaching part time at her local gymnastics training center, and found her passion. She quickly developed the technical skills required, but found that her greatest joy was watching the young gymnasts set and achieve goals. Laura is a nationally recognized and accredited gymnastics judge and has been coaching and judging since 1992. While not in the gym, Laura enjoys boating, horse back riding and spending time with her beagles. Laura and David are USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Caroline F.
HP Xcel Team Director/ Optional Team Coach
Caroline was born in Sarasota, but raised in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Elementary Education in 2013. Caroline began gymnastics while in elementary school and competed in both compulsory and optional levels. While in high school, Caroline joined an all-star cheerleading team for two years and was also a part of her high school’s varsity cheer team for her senior year. She began coaching gymnastics the summer after she finished high school and has enjoyed every minute of it! Caroline has worked at LWRG since April of 2013. She has coached numerous Level 2, 3 & 4 individual state champions and has coached our Level 2, 3 & 4 teams to many team state titles! Caroline has passed NCSI background checks as well as having been certified through Safe Sport for athlete conduct. She is pediatric and adult CPR certified. She has always loved gymnastics and it is one of her true passions!
When she is not in the gym coaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad, and dog, Brady. She loves working out, going to the beach, and watching lots of sports!
Caroline is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Dali B. Head Program Director
Optional Level 7-10 Beam Coach
Dali was born in Bosnia & Herzegovina and moved to St. Petersburg , FL at the age of 5. She began gymnastics at the age of 8 and found herself on the competitive team just two months into the sport. She spent the next 14 years as a competitive gymnast. She trained with Laura and David Parraga throughout high school and achieved her goal of becoming a Level 10 gymnast under their coaching. The highlight of her club career was becoming the Eastern National Vault Champion. Dali’s dedication and great effort lead her to competing in the NCAA for the University of Florida. During her time as a Gator, Dali was a part of a National Championship winning team and 3 SEC Championship winning teams. Dali received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After graduation, Dali spent a year working with the UF Strength & Conditioning program as an intern where she worked with multiple sports. She quickly took a liking to the coaching role, and turned to coaching the sport she is most passionate about, gymnastics. Dali has been coaching gymnastics for 10 years, 9 of those years being at LWRG. She enjoys collaborating with gymnasts and helping them achieve their goals, while growing and leaning with them in doing so.
Outside of the gym, Dali loves spending time with her family. Her husband, Clay, was a football player at the University of Florida where they met. They are blessed with two amazing daughters.
Dali is USAG and Safesport Certified.
Vesi P.
Recreational Program/ Preschool Program Director
Recreational Program/ Preschool Program Director
Vesi was born in Bulgaria. She had busy childhood doing many sports. Specializing in rhythmic gymnastics for 7 years. She finished high school with a diploma as a textile designer. Then received a bachelor’s degree in college in economic management.
She came to the United State 15 years ago, to start a family. She has a son and a daughter. In her free time she likes to garden, go fishing, as well as working on art. Her favorite thing though is working with children. She feels very blessed to work with all of the kids at LWRG.
Vesi is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Erin S.
Xcel Director
Erin began gymnastics at the age of three and competed through high school as a level nine gymnast. She has been coaching for over 19 years, coaching gymnasts of all levels at gyms and camps in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida as well as being a previous gymnastics program director. She has passed NCSI background checks as well as having been certified through Safe Sport for athlete conduct. Erin has a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management from Bowling Green State University, a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Queensland and she works full time in marketing and advertising for a large nonprofit organization. When not coaching, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, running, working out and doing anything outside.
Erin is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Antonio D.
Xcel Team Coach
Antonio is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Kristen R.
Xcel Team Coach
Kristen is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Emma T.
Recreational Coach and Camp Director
Emma grew up in Illinois, and moved to Florida in 2016. She started gymnastics at the age of 3, continuing in the sport until she reached level 9 at the age of 17 and competed at LWRG under Laura & David. Soon after she stopped gymnastics, she started competitive all star cheerleading. Emma graduated from Lakewood Ranch High school in 2021 and attends the University of Miami pursuing a masters degree in chemistry, in hopes of become a pharmacist. Emma found her passion working with kids! She enjoys working with all ages, but her favorite group are the preschool classes!
Ceci G.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Natalie T.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Natalie is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Cassi C.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Cassi is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Jayci K.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Rebecca
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Rylie
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Corin
Preschool and Recreational Coach
GG
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Estee
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Mikayla
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Tina
Preschool Coach
Coach Tina competed gymnastics through Level 7 as a kid and also helped coach Levels 2 & 3 while living in TX. Coach Tina attended both the University of Florida & the University of Miami. She has 2 children, Mark & Maddie. Maddie is an Optionals gymnast here at LWRG and Mark plays baseball, football & basketball. In her free time, Coach Tina likes to boat, golf, spend time with her family & dogs, and cheer for her favorite sports teams!
Lauren
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Lauren is USAG Certified.
Kara M.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
EmmaGrace K.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
EmmaGrace is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Elaine N.
Preschool and Recreational Coach
Elaine is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Trisha H.
PreTeam Coach
Michelle M.
Office Staff
Michelle is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Kim M.
Office Staff
Kim was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She is married to Mike, and they have three children: Marissa, Samantha & Salvatore. All three have been very active in high level sports.
Kim grew up loving the sports of gymnastics and cheerleading, participating in both at the recreational/school levels. She coached a CYO cheer squad while in high school.
Kim spent her early career with The Glidden Co. in Cleveland working in Human Resources as Benefits Rep & Training Coordinator. As a parent, Kim was a very active school volunteer for over 20 years, including teachers aid, reading aid, office aid, room mom and chaperone. She was also very involved in youth sports, managing several soccer teams and chairing several committees. At Gymnastics World in Ohio, she served on the Booster Club Board as Secretary and aided in the coordination of the annual “Rock & Roll Classic” gymnastics meet — volunteering in areas such as hospitality, decorations, meet worker/event timer. She also volunteered at R5 JO Regionals when it was hosted in downtown Cleveland.
In 2014, Kim & her family moved to Lakewood Ranch. During that time, Marissa played D1 soccer in Florida, Sammy competed & trained as a L8/9 gymnast for Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics, and Sal played soccer at IMG Academy. At LWRG, Sammy was a L8 State Champion on Bars, Vault & the All-Around as well as Regional Champion on Vault.
While a LWRG parent, Kim was involved in the Parents Club, planning the annual optionals banquet and the Grand Opening / Gold Medal Breakfast with Aly Raisman celebrations.
Kim began working in the office at LWRG in April, 2018. She enjoys the fast pace of a positive and successful gymnastics club and working with all of the staff and gym families at LWRG. It’s a dream come true to tie in her love of the sport with a position that helps others enjoy it as well. This summer, Sammy also returned to the gym as a part time camp coach.
Kim is a graduate of Bryant & Stratton College and studied Human Resources at Notre Dame College of Ohio. She has a USAG Instructor membership, is Safe Sport certified and NCSI background checked.
In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, attending soccer matches and watching NCAA gymnastics. She is a big college gym fan! Her favorite teams are The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Kent State Golden Flashes gymnastics teams.
Kim is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Bonnie P
Office Manager
Bonnie is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Kathleen T.
Office Staff
Kathleen is USAG and SafeSport Certified.
Darla J.
Office Staff
Lisa T.
Office Staff
Lisa is USAG and SafeSport Certified.